Author: David Atkinson

BACKGROUND: More than 120 years of symptomatic treatment has produced little more than
frustration and despair for patient and physician alike. Most likely there will not be a single drug or
therapy which will overcome ALS.

REVIEW SUMMARY: This recent and on-going study, involving Supplementary Therapeutic
Measures in ALS, has produced relevant strategies which have impacted ALS patients significantly,
by (1) producing improved quality of life, (2) stabilization and reversal of symptoms, (3) as well as
extended life survival. The Combination of Supplementary Therapeutic Measures include:
Deprogramming the negative emotional mind-set that occurs when one receives a terminal diagnosis,
and replacing the debilitating negative effect with a positive self-empowering thought process
-Meditation - Visualization - Guided imagery - Improved family environment - Biofeedback -
Spirituality - Massage - Healthy nutrition - Antioxidants. Additionally, a large segment of the ALS
population, involved in this study, has used an Electrical application, the Baar Battery*.

CONCLUSION: In the opinion of the author the different manifestations of Clinical ALS are
represented by various related neuromuscular degenerate occurrences, as evidenced by persisting,
isolated upper without lower motor neuron signs, and lower without upper motor neuron signs.

As well as the extreme variation of progression of the disease regarding individual patients. Therefore
a Combination of drug therapies, (utilizing state of the art delivery systems), used in conjunction with
a combination of the aforementioned Supplementary Therapeutic Measures will produce a more
appropriate, and effective treatment for ALS.

PURPOSE: To raise the awareness of the ALS community, as well as that of the Medical
community, as to the beneficial advantage of incorporating these Supplementary Therapeutic
Measures into an over-all approach in the pursuit of a more effective treatment of ALS than currently
exists.

Note number one:
Before proceeding with this report, I believe it is paramount to speak to the issue that is raised by
many physicians regarding a mistaken diagnosis when a ALS patient does not follow what is
considered the "Clinical Course" of ALS.

We now know, from Specialists in neurology and pathology, (Reference #1, #2, #3, #4, #6, #7, #8,
#18, #20) that the assumption of mistaken diagnosis, based on a non-clinical course of ALS, is
medically inappropriate. Neurologists at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota have diagnosed
and or confirmed diagnosis of thousands of patients with ALS. The Mayo Clinic also performed the
most thorough and extensive investigation, extending more than 14 years in duration, on the island of
Guam where ALS is 100 times as common as in the United States.

The Mayo Clinic, #1 reported that their prospective study, as well as those conducted elsewhere,
and the reports from Guam, suggests strongly that 20% of patients who lived longer than five years
have NOT been mistakenly diagnosed. It is apparent that other factors, such as the patients will to
live and the support of family, play significant roles in extending life." #1 Research strongly suggests
that the patients with long duration illness have the same disease as those with short duration illness.
#1 Also the Mayo Clinic investigators were impressed, that at autopsy the long duration patient's
neuropathologic findings were much the same as those found in patients who had died earlier in the
course of their illness. #1-#6.

It was the Mayo clinic's experience that the 20% of patients who had a more benign "course" of
ALS could be differentiated readily from patients who demonstrated a number of etiologies for
muscular atrophy that superficially resembled motor neuron disease.

During a physical examination of 100 consecutive patients at the Mayo Clinic it was found five years
from onset of illness that fully 20% of the patients were still living. 10 years from onset almost 10%
were living, and two patients lived for 18 years. #1 Mackay, #8 reported in his series of 70 patients
with ALS, a duration of life from 3 months to 21 years.
Norris, #20 particularly has commented on the unusual longevity of many of his patients. McKhann
and Johnson, #7 have suggested that about 20 to 25% of all patients with ALS may have relatively
benign "outcome".

The conclusion of the Department of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic was, it is inappropriate to change
a diagnosis of ALS to that of a mistaken diagnosis based upon duration of life or even improvement
in symptoms. #1 Several patients who the Mayo Clinic diagnosed as having ALS subsequently
recovered. #l Others have also reported similar patients who have recovered. #1, #2, #5, #6, #18 A
number of ALS patients who were reported to have recovered have been documented in detailed
clinical studies. #1,#2,#3,#4,#6,#18 "The possibility of spontaneous remission in ALS should always
be considered," #2.

Note number two:
An excerpt from an editorial appearing in the British medical journal, The Lancet, reported,
"Although there is still some uncertainty about the magnitude of the increase, there can be little doubt
that motor neuron disease (ALS) has become more common in the countries of the Western World."

In the opinion of this author, the number of estimated cases of ALS in the USA is grossly
underestimated.

This paper is supported by general research, observations and reports made by patients, family
members and therapists, as well as field observation involving the use of Supplementary Therapeutic
Measures In ALS.

The three study groups consisted of individuals who received a diagnosis of ALS, who sought and
received a second medical opinion from a neurologist, or hospital-clinic, specializing in the treatment
of degenerative neuromuscular diseases, and were confirmed with a diagnosis of ALS.

GROUP NUMBER ONE consisted of 14 ALS patients who received individual education and
training either in Salisbury, NC, or at their homes in other States. These education and training
sessions consisted of three and one-half to four days and evenings. Family members, care givers,
and therapists were included in the sessions, and were developed into a support team for the patient.

A rough draft of a typical training session:
Step one:
Training sessions started with a deprogramming process for the patient and the support team.
Deprogramming was necessary due to the SEVERE NEGATIVE effect on the individual who has
received a terminal diagnosis, the manner in which the diagnosis and prognosis were presented, and
the published material regarding ALS that is generally available for the patient and family members to
read.
To quote Dr. Maureen Holasek, Radiation Oncologist; "When a physician gives a patient a time
diagnosis, often times the patient will program their mind and body to expire at that time. Imagery
and improved mental well being may help from the standpoint of improved immunity which is needed
to help fight the disease."

Step two:
Replace the "Negative effect" with a positive approach to the disease. Thus reducing anxiety and
stress to a more manageable level, and creating a positive impact in terms of relaxation and improved
sleep. This learning also changes ones relationship with death, whenever it may come, lessening fear
and pain, making available more energy for healing and living life more fully today and each day to
come. Every patient is looking for a "Cure" and they would like it to come in the form of a "Magic
pill" or miraculous healing. Discourage the use of the word cure. Replace it with the possibility of
"Buying time". Give hope to the patient and the support team. Hope can never be false if it replaces
no hope. No hope creates despair and the spirit, mind, and body, of the patient, can shut-down at
just the time they are needed the most. Hope can produce "Good body chemistry". - Speaking of
hope, Forbs Norris, MD Director, ALS Research California Pacific Medical Center, said, "Surely
nourishment of this vital function contributes to patient care in such an illness as ALS." (Doctor Forbs
Norris recently passed away, and the center was renamed Forbs Norris MDA/ALS Research
Center)

A quote from Andrew Eisen, MD, FRCP(C), The Neuromuscular Disease Unit, The Vancouver
General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada. "There is good evidence that simply having a positive
attitude about the disease extends life significantly more than any presently available medications."
It is imperative to teach the patient, and support team, to FOCUS on living NOW, rather than
focusing there energy on the fear of dying.

Step three:
Develop a plan of action, giving the patient a position as team leader.
The patient will develop a feeling of authority and control over the decision making process regarding
his or her life. Include a realistic set of goals, both short term and long term.

Step four:
Educate the patient and support team as to the Supplementary "Wellness tools" that are available .
Then teach the patient and support team how to effectively integrate and utilize the methods that are
available and incorporate them into their plan of action.

Step five:
Test the patient and team members to determine how well they understand and are implementing the
plan of action. Be aware of any team member who may be too aggressive, and make that person
understand that the patient must be the team leader. The importance of the patient maintaining self
esteem and a reasonable degree of control over their life is paramount to success.

Step six:
Help the patient and team members evaluate, and when necessary adjust, goals and expectations
regarding their particular plan of action.

Step seven:
Put in place a set of balance and checks, including a follow-up procedure to reinforce the "one on
one" education and training received in the field.

GROUP NUMBER TWO consisted of 67 ALS patients who requested information. 40 of whom
chose to receive their education and training by means of correspondence, telephone (and when
applicable computer. 27 of the 67 patients did not initiate any further contact.

GROUP NUMBER THREE consisted of several hundred ALS patients who had been studied in
previous research and reported on by medical professionals and organizations. I was able to identify,
among many of the patients in group three, the use of Mind/Body Modalities, as well as Spirituality.

MEDITATION, VISUALIZATION, GUIDED IMAGERY, SPIRITUALITY, AND IMPROVED
FAMILY ENVIRONMENT have all been used over the years by progressive physicians regarding
every illness known to mankind In recent years they have become an integral part of effective
wellness programs, as evidenced by the number of hospitals throughout The United States that have
instituted Mind/Body units within the hospital environment.

HEALING IS BELIEVING:
For more than 25 years laboratories at Harvard Medical School have systematically studied the
benefits of Mind/Body interaction. The following are excerpts from an interview conducted May 22,
1996 with Herbert Benson, MD, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School,
medical practice at Deaconess Hospital in Boston:
"You can have a powerful influence over your health if you learn how to purposefully relax your mind
and body, and to use your own personal beliefs - whatever they may be - to help reduce unpleasant
symptoms and enjoy good health. We all have patterns in our brain of the memory of what it is like
to be well. We're wired for these memories. We can use our beliefs to call on the memory of
wellness and bring the state forth. Our thoughts and feelings and beliefs are actually patterns of brain
cells, a physical phenomenon. It's possible to use brain cell patterns to promote health. This is a
scientifically proven tool, shown in more than 200 studies to be effective. The scientific evidence is
here."

BIOFEEDBACK has been used to train the mind to control specific physical functions, producing
some amazing positive results.

MASSAGE was, for many years, considered a valid medical treatment, but because of the
technological revolution in medicine it was discarded for a number of years. Fortunately, massage
has once again become an important factor in good medical treatment. A recent study at the
University of Miami School of Medicine supports therapeutic use of massage. The children receiving
massage were found to have lower levels of stress hormone cortisol in their saliva.

HEALTHY NUTRITION is recognized as one of the key factors regarding good health today. The
medical community now has identified the correlation between poor nutrition and illness.

ANTIOXIDANTS can be used in the capacity as a neuroprotective procedure. Evidence has
implicated free radicals in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. #9, #10, #ll, #12, #15,
#16, #17, #19.

Note number three:
A unique audio tape process known as Hemi-Sync(R) has proven to be extremely valuable,
regarding the teaching of meditation, visualization and developing a "Healing guided imagery" which is
individualized for each patient. Hemi-Sync(R) has also proven very effective in teaching patients and
team members to relax and to be more focused. The following is a brief statement regarding
Hemi-Sync. (R) These specially engineered audio tapes have been used successful during extensive
surgical procedures performed in hospitals from the East coast to he West coast, as well as in stroke
recovery of both motor and speech functions. Hemi-Sync tapes are used by hundreds of physicians
and health care professionals throughout North America, South America and Europe. The tapes
represent "State of the art" audio technology that encourages the two hemispheres of ones brain to
act in unison. Hemispheric Synchronization (Hemi-Sync) is verified by the use of a NRS-24
Neuro-mapper, which takes the output of a 20 channel EEG and converts it into a color contour
map of the electrical brain activity using noninvasive electrodes attached to the scalp. Through
computerization of such signals the researcher can "See" variations in frequency, amplitude, phasing,
coherence, wave shapes, and relationship between areas of the brains neocortex. The results can be
stored and analyzed, or printed in the form of a color contour map.

Possible Mechanisms Underlying Brain-wave Training:
Different neurotransmitters are triggered by different frequencies and wave forms. The implication is
that the brain's neurochemistry, and thereby its functioning, can be altered with modifications of
brain-wave frequency. There is also speculation that the neurochemical response to trauma may
become entrained as a permanent state and that brain-wave training may allow a return to the
pre-trauma neurochemical state. #l3.

Note number four:
The electrical application that was used by a segment of the ALS population was The Baar* Battery,
which supplies a low electrical current that supplements the body's own electrical energy. This type
of electrical current is considered to be related to bioelectric regenerative energies. #14 This current
is in the low millivolt range and is generated as a liquid battery. This battery system has two
electrodes that attach to specific areas of the body and are attached for 30 minutes per day.
Reports, supplied by the ALS patients who used this system indicated some very positive effects,
and in several cases the results where extremely dramatic.
The Battery unit is manufactured by Baar Products, Inc. Additional information about the unit,
including case studies involving ALS, MS, and other patients, is available upon request. Contact
Bruce Baar, 610-873-4591, e-mail at bbaar@baar.com.

Because of the newspaper and magazine articles that have been written about my experience with
ALS, I am often asked if I know of other ALS patients who have been cured or who live a long time
after on-set or diagnosis of the illness?

First let me state, "I have not been cured of ALS. However, I have been able, using the
Supplementary Measures discussed in this paper, to reverse major symptoms that were interfering
with my living a reasonably normal life."

I am aware of other ALS patients who have been able to reverse many of their major symptoms,
also I am aware of a number of ALS patients who have been able to live far beyond a "Three to
Five Year Period". The following information was gathered using extremely limited resources over a
period of three months. I believe the ALS patients who are listed here represent but a small fraction
of the "exceptions to the rule". With proper resources and time I am sure a much larger number of
"exceptions" can be identified.

The purpose for identifying these ALS patients, who are "exceptions" is to help counter-balance the
information that most newly diagnosed patients and their families receive. Also this information is to
serve those patients who have been diagnosed previously and been drained of all hope. Just making
this information available can serve as a catalyst that could enable a segment of the existing ALS
population to improve their quality of life as well as extending life survival!

There are more than 3000 ALS patients living today, in The United States, who are "exceptions".

The following list was developed over a three month period. The list names ALS patients, and the
number of years they survived beyond diagnosis. (Not included in the groups previously mentioned )

+ represents people living today
Meridith, Stock, CA. 25+ years
Vikki Ray, McCloud, CA. 16+ years
Bob Swann, Albermarl, NC. 13+ years
Joel Reedy, Tampa, FL. 16+ years
Joe Tangaro, St. Louis, Mo. 13+ years
Jim Bell, e-mail eringle@dialnet.net. 12+ years
Vincent Gagliardo, St. Petersburg FL. 16+ years
Jim Driever, Pocatello, ID. 12+ years
Merle Grisso, Memphis, TN. 25+ years
Stephen Hawkins, London, England 36+ years
Sheila. Leftley, Northhampton, UK. 10 years
Jean Forseth, Denver CO. 23 years
Clarence Wraight broke the previous ALS survival record of 22 years at Baptist Hospital,
Winston-Salem N.C.
Clarence Wraight, Spencer, NC. 28 years
Anthony Mastrantonio, San Francico CA. 17 years
Kathryn Leonard, Centre, AL. 21 years
Thomas Bushey, Sea Grit, NJ. 11 years
Elizabeth Tompkins, Indiana, PA. 27 years
Tom Shorrock, Lake Placid, FA. 10 years
Hellen Curtis, Bakersfield, CA. 10 years
Angela Riggs, Wilsonville, OR. 10 years
Myra Rosenfeld, Toronto, Canada 11 years
Henry Timms, Tavares, FL. 10 years
Jan Hoowij, Encino, CA. 12 years
Margaret Kelly, Pawtucket, RI. 13 years
Ada Munn Beall, Norfolk, VA. 22 years
Bill Pirnie, Fairway, KS. 11 years
Owen Johnson, Kansas City, MO. 11 years
John Bowdish, Wichita, KS. 23 years
Kay Sanders, Saugus, MA. 11 years
Keith Worthington, Kansas City, KA 12 years
Bob Vessell Hannibal MO. 12 years
Norm Johnson, Grand Rapids, MI. 10 years
William Villicana, Joliet, IL. 14 years
Lou Hamilton, Pleasant Hill, MO. 11 years
Carol Pasinski, Glassport, PA. 11 years
Richard Cogan, Hagerstown, Md. 14 years
Lance Meagher,MD Connon Beach, OR. 12 years
Ten ALS patients, in the Mayo Clinic Study, lived 10 years, and two ALS patients in the study lived
18 years. #1

The following are ALS patients who have gone into remission, and/or reversed major symptoms. I
have verified their diagnosis.

Evy McDonald - Tucson, AZ.
William O'Donald - Eureka, CA.
David Atkinson - Salisbury, NC.
Dennis - NC. (Does not want information made public.)
C.W. (Bill) Sorrell - St. Louis, MO.
ALS patient described in reference #2
ALS patients described by Mayo Clinic reference #1
Arthur Kayl - PA.
Jerry Willingham - Boise, ID.
Mitch Hayes - Albuquerque, NM.

There are other ALS patients I have information about who could be added to the above list, but I
do not have their medical information.

Combining the aforementioned Supplementary Therapeutic Measures along with what ever
traditional treatment that may be available can make a significant difference to many people who are
diagnosed with ALS.

Certainly we must be realistic and recognize that many ALS patients will not benefit from this
"Combination". But who are we to say which ones will, and which ones will not! There is no
procedure nor mechanism in place, at this time, to know who may benefit, therefore offer the choice
to all ALS patients who would be willing to try. What is being suggested here is certainly
non-invasive, and poses no harmful dangers as compared to many procedures that ALS patients are
already trying on their own.

I find it very interesting, and extremely disconcerting, that the medical community mental health
experts have identified, and justly so, the need for counseling and grief or trauma therapy for students
when one of their classmates dies, as well as similar therapy for colleagues of a business worker or a
post office tragedy involving a fellow worker, "But" what sort of grief or trauma therapy is available
for the ALS patient and their family when they first receive the diagnosis?

Certainly receiving a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis that is tantamount to a hideous death
sentence qualifies as a trauma situation!

A better way of presenting a ALS diagnosis would be to temper the general statistical information
about the disease with information contained in this report. Doctors and patients alike should be
aware of the possibility that any ALS patient is a possible "Exception"!

Dr. Fred Plum, Director of Neurology at Cornell Medical Center has been quoted as saying,
"Sometimes I wonder whether enthusiasm and joy in the world, and interest and just plain
determination doesn't form connections between nerve cells faster than nature takes them away. The
quality of hope, of drive, walking ten steps as if you are running a hundred yard dash have something
to do with not only the quality of life, but I am really confident with the length of life, and the recovery
from sever illness. One can will oneself to die, one can certainly will oneself to be better."

We must continue to step-up the research efforts involving ALS, and maybe medical science is
getting close to a "Truly" major breakthrough, but please don't write off and/or ignore the needs of
those patients who already carry the "Diagnosis".

There is much that can be done to help those patients, and that is what this paper and the
incorporation of these Complimentary Therapeutic Methods is all about, helping ALS patients and
their families.

REFERENCES
#1 - Milder DW, Howard FM Jr. Patient resistance and prognosis in Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis. Mayo Clinic Proc 1976;51:587-541
#2 - Neurological Institute, Veterans General Hospital. Reversible Motor Neuron Disease -
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Eur Neurol 1993;33:387-389
#3 - Tucker et al. Neurology 1991;41:1541-1544
#4 - Tucker t, Lazer RB (abstract)Neurology 1985;35(suppl)108
#5 - The Neurologist 1996;2:85-95
#6 - Lambert, EH. Electromyography in ALS. in motor neuron diseases. Vol2. Edited by FH Noris
Jr., LT Kurland. New York. Grune and Stratain,1969:135-153.
#7 - McKhan GM, Jonhson RT 1973; ALS summary of a conference. Science l80 :221-222
#8 - McKay RP; Course and prognosis in ALS Neurol 1963; 8:117-127.
#9 - Duvai C, Poelman MC. Scavenger effect of vitamin E and derivatives of free radicals generated
by photoirradiated pheomelamin. J Pharm Sci. 1995;84:107-10.
#10- Sohal RS, Kua HH, Agarwai S, Foster MJ, Lal H. Oxidative damage, mitochondrial oxidant
generation and antioxidant defenses during aging and response to food restriction in the mouse.
Mech Aging Dec 1994;74:121-33
#11- Bowling AC, Schuize JB, Brown RH Jr, Beal MF. Superoide dismutase activity, oxidative
damage, and mitochondrial energy metabolism in familial and sporadic ALS. J Neurochem 1993;
61:2322-5
#12- Robberecht W, Sapp P, Kristina M, Rosen D, McKennayasec D, Haines J, et al. Cu/zn
superoxide dismutase activity in familia and sporadic ALS J Neurochem 1994;62:384-7
#13- HEMI-SYNC(R) J vol.xiv,1996 No, 3ii An Empirical Investigation into the Effect of Beta
Frequency Binaural Beat Audio Signals On Four Measures of Human Memory. Richard Cauley
Kennerly, MA
#14- Becker, RO, The Body Electric 1985:72-73
#15- Olanow CW, Arendash GW, Curr Opin Neurol 1994;7:548-58
#16- Cohen G, Werner P, Calne DB, editor, Neurodegenerative disease. Philadelphia; 1994
Saunders WB: 139-61
#17- Sardesai VM, Nutr Clin Prac 1995;10:19-25
#18- Arch Neurol 1989;46:330
#19- Sardesai VM, Role of antioxidants in health maintenance. Nutr Clin Prat 1995;10:19-25
#20- Norris FH Jr, Prognosis in ALS Trans Am Neurol Assoc. 1971; 96:290-291

Author, David R. Atkinson, Sr.
Writer, Educator, Lecturer, ALS patient.
221 McCoy Rd.
Salisbury, N.C. 28144-2221
If you want me to lecture at your local ALS Chapter write to me at the above address.

*Trademark
Copyright 1996